Yarra Valley Tails and Trails

If your pooch is champing at the bit to go for a decent run, take the lead and head to the Yarra Valley just 35km east of Melbourne.

You will Find Your Self spoilt for choice amid a wonderful array of rail trails, forests, fields and lake tracks. Whether you own a cavachon, a groodle, a labrador or poodle, your best mate can go for the run of his life in the wide open green spaces of this popular natural region.

Lilydale boasts a magnificent lake encircled by 10km of shared walking and cycling trails with two areas designated for off-leash. There’s even a swimming place for dogs only. Not far away is the start of the 40km Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail where people can meander along this historic trail for hours and take in the scenic views and natural beauty.

And the dog treats don’t end there.

There are many winery/cafe operators in the valley who welcome dogs with open arms - even placing outdoor seating and tables in easy to access places, creating grassy areas and filling dog bowls with water.

So once the pooch has been well exercised, paws for a while at one of the many pet-friendly venues with a well-deserved glass of fine local wine, a freshly brewed coffee or a bite to eat.

To make it easy for you we have created a list of some of the top locations for dog walks in the Yarra Valley and cafes/wineries nearby:

This historic rail trail meanders for 40km through beautiful vineyards, farms and forests. It’s easy to walk smaller sections depending on how much time you have. The trail is clearly signposted. The shorter Yarra River Walk Circuit in Warburton is easily accessed from the Swing Bridge, just off Main St.

The 4.6km trail, which starts at the Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve, follows the alignment of the old aqueduct from Silvan to Mt Evelyn and passes through the Dandenong Ranges National Park bushland, fern gullies, and bird habitats. There is a section of the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Track (7km one way) where dogs are allowed off leash. Address: Reserve 1, Westhill Drive, Mt Evelyn

On the northern bank of the Yarra River you will find the recreation reserve a popular dog walking spot. There are designated areas where dogs are permitted off-leash. Nearby, at the corner of Bell St and Anzac Ave, is the revamped Yarra Glen adventure playground in McKenzie Reserve. It has plenty of shade, lawn areas, toilets, picnic tables and BBQs.

This winery restaurant and cellar door has expansive grassy areas to explore. The Yarra Valley Regional Farmers Market, which sells items from paddock to plate, is held inside the winery’s barn on the third Sunday of each month.

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Lillydale Lake is open at all times and has a range of facilities and activities to suit everyone, including an all-abilities playground, outdoor fitness station, walking tracks, fishing jetties, BBQs, picnic shelters, sandy beach areas and public toilets.

The Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a 38 km track following the old railway line through the towns of Wandin, Worri Yallock, Seville, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Wesburn, Millgrove and terminating in Warburton.

Maroondah features gardens with stands of native and exotic trees, native animals and birds and walking tracks. Its playground, lawns and cool summer shade make it a popular picnic destination in warmer months.

Boat O’Craigo Vineyards are a boutique wine producer located in the Yarra Valley. Over 50 acres of vines, spanning across two sites, enable Boat O’Craigo to produce outstanding, estate grown wines across a range of noble varieties.

Rochford Wines crafts premium wines which express the individuality of this cool climate site. A full section of wines our available for tasting at cellar door, or you can book a wine and cheese tasting or stay for lunch. To complement our cellar door we have an extensive gift shop to browse in.